About
The character "跟", which in modern usage primarily functions as a preposition meaning "with" or a verb meaning "to follow", originates from a more concrete, physical meaning related to the human body. Its structure, consistent in both its traditional and simplified forms, is composed of the radical ⻊ (zú), denoting "foot", combined with the phonetic and semantic component 艮 (gèn), which contributes both sound and the notion of "root" or "to follow closely". This construction initially referred specifically to the heel of the foot, the part that follows behind and makes contact with the ground. Over centuries, this literal sense of physical proximity and trailing behind facilitated a natural semantic extension into the abstract actions of pursuing, accompanying, or aligning with someone or something, eventually solidifying its prevalent grammatical functions. Thus, its conceptual journey moved from a tangible anatomical reference to a versatile word expressing connection and association.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我跟你学习。
他经常跟我聊天。
请你跟我来。
我跟朋友看电影。
这个跟那个一样。
她不喜欢跟陌生人说话。
如果你跟我去，我就告诉你。
根据报告，公司需要跟上市场变化。